February 2005

I fell and broke my elbow and ankle about 10 weeks ago.  I thought when I got my casts off that I would be able to return to my normal activities, but I am having problems walking and moving my elbow.  What can I do?

This is a very common problem.  Most people think that after the bone is healed they are all better and can return back to their normal lifestyle.  However, for a fracture to heal correctly, most of the time it has to be casted or braced so the bone cannot move at the fracture site.  When we cannot move a body part muscles get weak and the joint gets tight.  This causes a person to move differently and can create pain in other areas of the body because they are compensating for the lack of strength and decreased range of motion.  If the fracture is in the leg or ankle, it makes you walk differently and can create pain at the fracture sight, ankle, knee, hip or even the low back.  If the fracture is in the hand, wrist, elbow or shoulder it can make movement difficult and cause pain in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck or upper back.  The longer a person waits to regain their strength and range of motion after an injury such as a fracture, the longer it will take to recover, the less chance of a full recovery, and the more damage it can cause to other parts of your body.  Physical Therapists specialize in restoring range of motion, strength, decreasing pain and preventing permanent physical disabilities caused from an injury. 

Dennis McEntaffer, PT